Volvo Issues Urgent Brake Failure Warning for EVs and Plug-In Models
Prolonged use of regenerative braking on several of Volvo’s plug-in hybrid and electric models could lead to total brake failure while driving downhill.
Volvo issued an urgent brake failure warning for its plug-in hybrid and electric models, which could experience total loss of brake power.
Prolonged use of regenerative braking (more than 1 minute and 40 seconds consecutively) may result in the friction brakes completely losing stopping power.
The warning follows a June 12 recall for 11,469 vehicles, approximately 1000 of which had not completed the over-the-air fix by July 15.
Volvo sent out an urgent brake failure warning for its plug-in hybrid and electric models, which in some cases stretch back to the 2020 model year. The new notice comes in direct response to a recall filed by Volvo on June 12, for 11,469 vehicles—approximately 1000 of which have not downloaded the over-the-air fix by July 15. The new notice includes a “Do Not Drive” warning for owners who haven’t downloaded the over-the-air update for the June recall.
Volvo’s EVs, including the 2023 C40, 2025 EC40, and the 2023-2024 XC40, are listed in the recall documents. Volvo’s plug-in models are also affected, including the 2025–2026 EX40, 2023–2025 S60, 2025 S90, 2022–2026 XC60, 2024–2025 V60, and the 2020–2026 XC90.
According to the new warning, continuous use of the regenerative braking function—one minute and 40 seconds consecutively—can result in a total loss of brake function. To avoid the issue, Volvo and NHTSA are advising drivers to turn off “B” mode in plug-in models and one-pedal mode in EVs.
According to Volvo, one serious incident has been confirmed and was caught on camera (shown above).
